Votto: Knee 'was handled perfectly'

No second guessing delay in getting MRI

Jul. 19, 2012

Joey Votto / Enquirer file photo

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Joey Votto very clearly wanted to clear the air. Votto sought out the media as soon as he arrived in the Reds clubhouse Wednesday, the day after surgery on his left knee.

There have been a lot of questions about why Votto was not given an MRI until 16 days after the original.

“It wasn’t until a couple of days ago that I thought it was important to talk to (trainer) Paul Lessard and (general manager) Walt Jocketty,” he said. “I was feeling great after those four days off at the All-Star break. Then coming back, I was at 85, 95 percent running. It just started swelling up and felt like I tweaked something. It felt like it did back in San Francisco.

“That’s when I knew it was time to go in and talk some more about it. I thought it was handled perfectly. I really do. I got to play in California and I healed. Then my knee told me the truth.”

Votto does not regret waiting to get an MRI.

“No, all of us players, we deal with things here and there,” he said. “Sometimes, you think you might need some help and then it heals. Other times, you don’t think you need help and it’s serious.

“I was always taught to just stay out of the training room, play as much as you can. When you can play, play. For better or for worse, I think in the long run that’s going to pay off for me and hopefully the Reds.

“I healed really quickly after I got taken out of the game in San Francisco. I did very well. I was very optimistic. I was hoping in was something muscular. It turned out to be a small structural thing.”

Votto said where the team is in the standings was a factor.

“We’re trying to stay in first place and win the division,” he said. “That’s another reason why I thought it was wise to wait it out. Hopefully, it’ll heal and I’ll be able to help the team.”

Votto does not blame the team for not insisting he have an MRI.

“It’s difficult for the organization,” he said. “Initially, they do all the tests they can. They did all the structural tests they could, then strength tests. I passed them all. When a player has trouble and comes in and asks for help, then all of the sudden, it gets to the point where the player is almost back to neutral. It’s hard for an organization to tell a player, ‘we got to get you in.’ Because you’re improving so quickly. And I was improving.

“So I would say nobody’s at fault. It’s not like I didn’t get to play. I played against those California teams. It’s important for me to be part of the team for the St. Louis series. Now, we’re going through a stretch – no disrespect to the opponents – but those are all division-leading teams we played. Now we’re in a stretch with several less-than-.500 teams. So, if there was ever a time for me to take some time off – I don’t how we’ll shape up – but I certainly think we have the team to get some distance from the Pittsburghs and St. Louises of our division.”

Votto aggravated the knee on Sunday when he went 2-for-3 and scored from second on a single.

“Before I was running out balls and I was able to play deep,” he said. “I was able to hit. I really didn’t have any problems. The following day, it acted up. That’s when I knew something was wrong.

“I tried to get through that game. I did and we won.”

Votto didn’t try to pinpoint a return date. He was walking with crutches and had a light sleeve on the knee.

“I just got done with a couple rehab sessions where I’m almost to the point where I can walk,” Votto said. “The last thing I want to do is get ahead of myself and start making predictions. I’d love to be playing the first day I’m back off the DL. But you never know how things shake out.”

Votto was actually looking forward to the break – sort of.

“I take my job very seriously,” he said. “I find it stressful at times. I ask a lot of myself. To be honest with you, it’s really nice, considering I didn’t have any time off with All-Star Game. ... , It’s part of the gig playing so much, but it’s going to be nice spending some time on the couch and relaxing and watching my teammates beat up on a bunch of different opponents.”